Larry and I decided to head up the lake for a quick look/see at what we might find on a great day. We were not disappointed! However, we got a late start and as we approached Aurora, decided we should check out Dorie's for lunch. Steve Fast would want to know that the deli sandwich choices were excellent and the home made pastries were even better! (All birders should schedule a stop as the desserts were breath taking!) While we ate our salad/sandwich on the outside deck we started hearing COMMON LOONS calling. (What better way to enjoy a lunch?!) We thus decided that we should stop at the Post Office parking lot to see if we could view any of the loons. To our amazement, the lake waters were very calm, and out in the middle of the lake were 'more' than 100 loons swimming/diving about. We did not bother to scope out and look for other loons (they all looked 'common' to us); we were just so amazed to see so many. Next we stopped at the MNWR visitor center to see where the (Glossy/White-faced) IBIS might be--our 'target birds'. They were still, as recently reported, to the north-west of the center, but soon flew close to the building affording excellent views. Learning that some other birders were heading to see if they could spot the RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in Seneca Falls, we followed them after a short while. Unfortunately, we arrived after the hummer had put on a performance, so as the other birders were leaving, we sat down in the nicely provided lawn chairs and waited 'our' turn. Sure enough, after about 15 min. the hummer appeared, but not so we could get a definitive view. I did spot light rufous color down both sides, but only saw the bird from behind the feeder with a view of the undertail and never got a full front view. After our obligatory stop at Sauders Market, we stopped back by to see if the hummer would be more cooperative. Unfortunately, someone was walking their dog in the yard, and time demanded that we return. But we had a great time finding our 'target' birds, as well as additional ones. --
Sara Jane Hymes -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
